US Officials Predict Saudis Will Buy Pakistani Nukes

Saudi Arabia’s threats to launch a nuclear weapons program of their own in retaliation for any P5+1 deal allowing Iran to keep its civilian nuclear program is likely to begin and end with them just buying the weapons “off-the-shelf,” according to officials.

While it is not unprecedented for countries to work together on nuclear weapons programs, it would be a first for the Saudis to simply buy the arms straight from an existing power.

And while Pakistan would likely face a backlash internationally for selling nuclear arms, the Sharif government is also keen to improve its ties with the Saudis, which are under strain after Pakistan refused to join the Yemen war. Selling the kingdom nukes would be the ultimate rapprochement.

Author: Jason Ditz

It all began with the first, and so far only, massive nuclear weapons arsenal in the MIddle East – Israel's!

Mark_Thomason

It would not exactly be selling to the Saudis, because they are widely reported already to have paid for that program. They own it, and would only be taking delivery.

JOHN JOHN

I don't understand, why would it be ok for the Saudis to have nuclear weapons and not Iran.Is it because the Saudis belong to the "GOOD OLE BOY'S CLUB" ???

Unwelcome Guest

A quick glance at the Saudis' safeguard agreement suggests that it is only concerned with diversion!! So perhaps a good lawyer, which the Saudis could certainly afford, could argue that it doesn't apply to purchase of nukes from Pakistan. Of course, I'd say that Putin would be happy to sell the Saudis nukes for their power program, and argue that everything was above board. One wonders whether Obama thinks the US will have enough oil from fracking so it doesn't need the Saudis. But of course the EU, Japan and other allies will. This would involve a major re-alignment in international relations. I'll be fascinated to hear all the hair-splitting and other nonsense that'll result, if this one goes through.